Relief-valve.



II. H. IVIUELLEFI. RELIEF VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED IUI-.Y 9,1917.

Patented June 3, 1919.

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Wl IIN @wi/tumba) R. H. MUELLER.

RELIEF VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED IuLY 9. IsIIIY Patented J III'III 3, 1919.

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R. H. MUELLER.

RELIEF VALVE.

.APPLICATION FILED 'ULY 9. 19H,

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R. H. IVIUELLER.

RELIEF VALVE.

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ROBERT H. MUELLER, or DECATUR, ILLINOIS.

RELIEF-VALVE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 3, 1919.

Application filed .T uly 9, 1917 Serial No. 179,594.

T0 all whom t may concern 1 Be it known that I, ROBERT H. 'MUELLEm a citizen of the United States, residing at Decatur, in the county of Macon and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Relief-Valves, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to pressure relief valves. It provides a valve construction which will give prompt and complete relief from excess pressure in fluidrarrying pipes, if, for any reason, such pressure should exceed the limit of safety for the system, the arrangement being such that if theusual operating parts of the valve actuating mechanism should become deranged and fail to work in event of excess pressure, the valve would still be automatically operable to relieve pressure, this giving a double element of safety from excess pressure.

In the drawings herewith I have shown one embodiment of my invention, and in said drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical section of my relief valve, the valve casing proper being in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a view of the valve in side elevation at right angles to the view shown in Fig. 1, the diaphragm casing being partly in section.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view, partly in section, of the diaphragm casing.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view substantially on the line 4-4, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrow, to show the valve-closing levers.

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section of a relief valve in which the lever and spring arrangement are slightly different from the adaptation of the invention shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to the Vdrawings by numerals, like numbers indicating like parts in the several views, 10 indicates a valve casing of any suitable or desired type designed to be installed in the line and having a valve-seat' 11 and a valve 12 adapted to seat thereon, and said valve and seat may be of any de` sired or usual type.

From the said valve 12 a stem13 extends upwardly through a stuiiing box 14 which is mounted in the base of a hollow supporting post or frame 15 which is preferably open through a part of its length, as at 16, to give access to the interior of the hollow post 15. The base or post 15 is secured by a Huid tight connection to the valve-casing 10, as best shown in Fig. 1, and has the radial extensions 17 which carry adjustable screws 18 supporting spring-engaging disks 19, which, together with the screws 18, serve as abutments for springs 20, two being shown in the present instance. springs 2O have similar disks 21 at their upper ends, which engage the outer ends of levers 22 pivoted to lugs 23 preferably formed integral with the post 15. The inner ends of said levers 22 pass through suitable apertures in the post 15, and are pinned by pivot pins 24 to a cross-head 25 through which the valve stem 13 passes and to which The said it is securely fastened, as by pin 26. IPreferably the stem 13, which passesfrom the stuiinwbox 14 upwardly through a guiding web 2F post 15, will be of reduced' diameter at the point where it is engaged by cross head 25, so that a shoulder 28 is provided upon which cross-head 25 rests.

It will be seen that by the arrangement of springs and levers just described a downward, and, in the present instance, a closing thrust will be exerted by the levers 22 and springs 20 onV the valve-stem and valve, and it will be clear that by varying the tension of the springs by the screws 18, such thrust may be made greater or less, as may be desired. Y

The upper end of the valve-stem 13 projects into aV diaphragm chamber 29 secured in any suitable manner, as by screw-bolts 30 to the top ofthe post 15, and is screwthreaded or otherwise secured toa pivotblock 31. To said pivot-block are secured the inner and long ends of levers 32 pivotally mounted in lugs 33 formed, in the present case, integral with the diaphragm casing 29. The outer and short ends of levers 32 are pivotally coupled to the depending arms of a diaphragm-operated yoke 34, these pivot connections of levers, lugs, and yoke being sufficiently loose (as shown in dotted lines Fig. 1) to permit play of the parts as they operate and prevent binding.

.The diaphragm chamber 29 is formed of two parts, asis usual, and between them is clamped the diaphragm 35, dividing the chamber into two parts with the diaphragm 35 resting on the yoke 34 as best shown in Fig. 1. The part of chamber 29 above the (see Fig. 1) projecting from the diaphragm 35, is, of course, fluid tight, and it has a pressure connection 36 through which pressure to control the valve 12 may pass, and which pressure tends to force the diaphragm and yoke downwardly and actuate the valve-controlling levers.

It will be understood that at normal pressure the springs 2O and levers 22, acting on the valve stem 13 through cross-head 25 will keep the valve 12 closed. If, however, the pressure in thcsystem becomes excessive, or if for any reason the system is to be relieved, the regulating pressure coming through connection 36 and standing against diaphragm 35, increasing beyond the point at which the parts are set, will f orce diaphragm and yoke downward and throw the levers 32, lifting stem 13 and raising valve 12 from its seat, so as to relieve pressure in the system. lt will be understood that this movementY of the diaphragm, levers, and stem takes place only when pressure is suiicient to overcome the tension of springs 2 0 and the closing thrust of the levers 22 which tend to keep vvalve 12 in closed position. Immediately the pressure falls the closing springs 20 and levers 22 will ret-urn the valve to its'closed position, and the parts in the diaphragm chamber to normal condition. I

lt will be observed that the long ends of the levers 32 project inwardly and engage the stem 13 while the outer and shorter ends are engaged by the yoke 34. By this arrangementa relatively slight movement Yof Y the diaphragm and yoke will impart an increased and quicker movement to the valve stem and valve, so that a rapid andfull opening of the valve is secured and quick relief given. v Y

It will be seen that the valve 12 is, through the stem 13, levers 22, and springs 20, held to its seat by spring-pressure only, so that the pressure in the system 1tends constantly to ope-n the valve. It is always opened, however, under proper condition of the parts, by the diaphragm yoke, and leve-r as described. If the opening mechanism in the diaphragm chamber should fail to operate,

the valve would,` nevertheless, relieve the' system, for immediately the pressure on the underside of the valve 12 overcomesthe tension of springs 2O it will open the valveand permit excess pressure to escape. Thisl gives, ofcourse, a double element of safety, and a valve is provided which, under ordinary conditions will be perfectly and closely controlled for excess pressure, and which, furthermore, cannot be entirelyblocked so far as relief is concerned even if the mechanism, which is normally eifec-tive to give relief, `is deranged.

In the form of the invention shown in F 5, the valve casing 36 and its valve 87 will be generally of the same construction as that shown in the other adaptations of the invention, the stem 3S of the valve extending upwardly through a stuffing box 39 Vwhich stuliing box, as in the constructions hereinbefore described,'is mounted in the base of a supporting post or frame 40 preferably of the same open construction as that shown in Fig. l, the valve casing 36 and the supporting frame being secured together by a fluid-tight joint as shown. The supporting post 40 is provided with radial extensions 41 in which are mounted, adjustable screws 42 engaging the disks 43, which form seats for springs 44, as in the constructions heretofore described, Atthe upper ends of the springs 44 are lever-engaging disks 45 which bear against the outer ends of levers 46 pivotally mounted on lugs 47 which, in the presentV instance, are shown' as formed integral with the casing 40. The .inner ends of the levers 46 engage a pivot block 47 screwthreaded or otherwise secured to the upper end of the valve stem 3S so that with this construction the Vsprings 44, through the pivot-ed levers 47, tend always to force the valve stem 3S and close the valve 37. y The levers 47 outside of their pivot points are engaged by the depending ends o f a yoke 48, which yoke bears against a diaphragm 49 mounted in a diaphragm chamber 50. The chamber 50 is preferably formed integral with the supporting post 40 and has the cut-away portions 51 to permitI the levers 46 to project outwardly and be engaged by the springs 44. The Vdiaphragm 49 is held in place by the cap 52, which clamps the diaphragm inthe usual manner to give a. Huid-tight connection, said cap 52 having the pressure connection 53 Vcoming from any suit-able source and by means of which pressure may be exerted on the diaphragm and transmitted through the yoke 42 to the levers, valve stem and valve, so as to regulate and control the movements of, the waives. Y

In operation, the valve 37 will normally be held closed by the action of the springs 44 which engage the valve stem 3S and force the valve to its seat. lVhen, however, the pressure in the system, or from the controlling source, becomes excessive, it will, acting through the pressure 'connection 53, force the diaphragm 49 downwardly, carrying with it the yoke 4S, which will compress the springs 44, tilt the levers 46, draw up the valve stem 3S, and open the valve 37 to release pressure.

lVith thisv construction, a very compact arrangement is provided, and one in which I am enabled to dispense with the independent set Iof, levers for holding .the valve closed shown in the adaptation of thehinvention illustrated in Fig. 1, thus simplifying to some extent the construction.

Such changes as come within the range of mechanical skill and are equivalentsof the specific disclosures herein set-forth,` are to' be regardedas within the scope of my inveiition. i l. Y

I claim:

1. In a device of the class described and in combination a valve casing, a valve therein, a diaphragmV casing, a pressure con-y tiolled diaphragmY thereinV to actuate said valve, a lever connection between said valve and diaphragm, spring actuated means engaging said lever connection to actuate said valve in opposition to said diaphragm, and means for adjusting the tension of the spring for said actuating means comprising a disk at one Iend of the spring and an/adjusting screw for moving said disk. ,c

2. In a device of the .class described and in combination, a valve casing, a valve therein; a diaphragincasing; a diaphragm therein, a hollow post connecting said valve and diaphragm casings; a valve stem carrying a cross head, spring actuated levers oppositely arranged on said post and pivotally connected to said cross-head and means for adjusting the tension of said'springs mov-` thereon, the inner ends of said levers pivoted to the cross-head and springs arranged on opposite sides of the post and engaging the outer ends of said levers tending to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm.

4. In a device of the class described and in combination, a valve casing, a normally closed valve therein, a diaphragm casing having an inlet pressure connection, a diaphragm in said casing to open said valve, an open hollow post connectino' said valve and diaphragm casings, a stu `ng box between said valve casing and post, a valve stem traversing said stutling boX and post and connected with said diaphragm, a crosshead on said valve stem, levers pivoted to an integial portion o'l' the post and arranged on opposite sides thereof and engaging the cross-head at their inner ends, springs carried by said post engaging the outer ends of said levers to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm and means carried by the lower end of said post for adjusting the tension of said springs.

5. In a device'ot' the class described and in combination, a valve casing, a normally closed valve therein, a diaphragm casing having an inlet pressure connection, a dia- `pliragm in said casingv to open said valve, an -open hollow post connecting said Valve and diaphragm casings,'a stuiiing box between said valve casing and post, a valve stem traversing said stutiing box and post andconnected with said diaphragm, a crosshead on said valve stein, levers pivoted on said post and pivotally engaging said crosshead at their inner ends, and springs cairied by said post engaging the outer `ends of said levers to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm and means carried solely by the lower end of said posts for adjusting the tension of said springs.

6, In a device of the class described and in combination, ya valve casing, a normally closed valve therein, a diaphragm casing having a control pressure connection, a diaphragm in said casing to open saidrvalve, an open hollow post connecting said valve and diaphragm casings and having a luidtight connection with said valve casing, a stuiling box between said valve casing and post, a shouldered valve stem traversing said stuiling box and post and connectedrwith said diaphragm, a cross-head engaging said shouldered stem, levers pivoted on said post and engaging said cross-head at their inner ends, aud adjustable springs mounted on said post and engaging the outer ends ot said levers to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm.

7. In a device oiz the class described and in combination, a valve casing, a normally closed valve therein, a diaphragm casing having a control pressure connection, a diaphragm in said casing, valveoperating levers insaid casing connected with said diaphragm, an open post connecting said valve and diaphragm casing and having a sealed connection with said valve casing, a stuffing box, between said valve casing and post, a shouldered valve stem traversing said stutting box and post and engaging said operating levers in the diaphragm casing, a ci'osshead engaging said shouldered stem, levers pivoted 0n said post and engaging at their inner ends said cross head, and adjustable springs carried by said post and engaging the outer ends of said levers to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm.

8. In a device of the class described, and in combination, a valve casing, a normally closed valve therein, a diaphragm casing having a control pressure connection, a diaphragm in said casing, an open post connecting said valve and diaphragm casings and having a bottom plate closing said valve casing, a stuliing box in said bottom plate, a valve stein traversing said stuiiing box and post and operatively engaged with said diaphragm, a cross-liead engagino said stem, levers pivoted on said post and engaging at their inner ends said cross-head, and adjust- SOQ iio

. phragm in said casing, an open post connecting said valve and diaphragm casing having a bottom plate to close said valve casing and spring supporting extensions, a stuffing box disposed centrally of said bottom plate, valve stem traversing said stuifing box and post and operatively engaged. with said diaphragm, a. cioss-head engaging said shouldered stem, levers pivoted on said post and engaging at their inner ends said cross-head, and adjustable springs carried by said bottom plate extensions and engaging the outer ends of said levers to close said valve in opposition to said diaphragm.

l0. In a device of the class described, and in combination, a valve casing, a valve therein, a diaphragm casing having a control pressure connection, a diaphragm in said casing, valve-opening levers mounted in said casing With their short ends coupled'to said diaphragm, an open post connecting said valve and diaphragm casings, a stu-ning box bet-Ween 'said valve and diaphragm easings, a. valve stem traversing said stuiiing box and postand' engaging the long ends of said val-ve opening levers, valve closing levers pivoted on said poetv and engaging at their inner ends said stem, and' adjustable sp1-ings carried by' Said'post and engaging the outer ends of said levers to close said valve in opposition to saidV diaphragm.

In testimony whereof Ihave hereunto set my hand inpresence of' two subscribing Witnesses.

ROBERT H'. BIUELLER.

Witnesses ROY B. PEASE, HENRY D. PLATE.

Copies of this patent may 'be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

